Gotu
Kola

Li
Ching-Yuen in 1927
(Note his hands and long fingernails)

Probably the most famous proponent and user of Gotu Kola
(known in China as fo-ti-tieng) is the celebrated
Chinese herbalist and Daoist master (Dao yin or internal
health practices) Li Ching-Yuen, who survived
twenty-three (23) wives and died on March 5, 1933 (as
reported by the New York Times and London Times) at the
age of 256 years. This was officially recorded and
confirmed by the Chinese government, and aroused so much
interest in France, that the government there
established an experimental laboratory in Algeria to
study Gotu Kola. The English government also provided a
grant to a college research foundation in Colombo,
Ceylon to study this herb.

Chinese General Yang Sen wrote a report about him, "A
Factual Account of the 256 Year-Old Good-Luck Man.",
where he described Li Ching Yuen's appearance: "He
has good eyesight and a brisk stride; Li stands seven
feet tall, has very long fingernails, and a ruddy
complexion."

Born on 1677 in Chyi Jiang Hsie, Szechuan province and
later moving to Kai Hsien, he joined the Chinese army of
provincial CinC Yueh Jong Chyi at the age of 71 in
1748. In the army he was tactical advisor and teacher
of the martial arts, though he spent most of his life in
the mountain ranges gathering herbs and knowledge of
longevity methods.

He
claimed to have learned about longevity from another
Daoist he met on the Emei Mountain in Sichuan province
near the Tibetan border. This monk, according to Li,
Ching-Yuen's story, was well over 300 years old, was as
agile as a monkey, as strong as a tiger and as wise as a
dragon. This ancient Daoist sage reputedly instructed
Li, Ching-Yuen in his secret method of health nourishing
martial art exercises based upon the wisdom of the Book
of Changes (Yijing). Most likely this was a Daoist of
the Long-Men sect who practiced a method of circle
walking meditation combined with chanting and
visualization. The art of Li, Ching-Yuen came to be
known by the Li family as Jiulong Baguazhang (Nine
Dragon Eight Diagram Palm).

In
1927 Li Ching-Yuen was invited to Wann Hsien, Szechuan
by General Yang Sen who was fascinated by Li's
remarkable youthfulness, strength and prowess in spite
of his advanced age. The enclosed photograph was
obtained there. After Li's death, the General
investigated his background to determine the truth to
his claimed background and age, which led to a report
that was later published. Returning home, he died a year
later, some say of natural causes, while others claim
that he told friends, "I have done all I have to do in
this world. I will now go home." With these words he lay
down upon his couch and allowed his spirit to depart
through sheer willpower.

People interviewed from his home province in 1933
remember seeing Li Ching-Yuen when they were small
children, and that the master had not aged much during
their lifetime. Others reported that he had been
friends with their grandfathers. The truth of his long
life died with Li Ching-Yuen and is one of those
inscrutable Daoist mysteries that may never be solved.

An
interesting sidelight to the above story was thrown upon
the unique properties of fo-ti-tieng (Gotu Kola) by a
107 year old Indian sage named Nanddo Narian, who
claimed that the herb provides the missing ingredient in
a man's diet, without which, he can never control
disease and decay. He found it to be, in practice, the
finest of all herbal tonics and nutrients.

The results of the studies performed upon Gotu Kola by
the French in Algeria revealed what appears to be a new
vitamin not known in any other food or herb. It was
described as the "youth vitamin X" that exerts a
rejuvenating influence upon the ductless glands, the
healthy functioning of which is, the means by which the
brain and body are maintained for healthy activity.

Important Note:
The information presented herein by The Natural Path Botanicals
is intended for educational purposes only. These statements have
not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose,
cure, treat or prevent disease. Individual results may vary, and
before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult
with your own health care provider.